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In Celebration of MHS Class of 1958

A Tribute and Celebration

We were the class of 1958, members of the Greatest Generation as well as children of the Greatest Generation. Born in 1940, we are also called members of the Traditional Generation.

Our childhood, post World War II, "was the best of times . . . it was the age of wisdom . . . it was the epoch of belief . . .it was the season of Light . . . it was the spring of hope . . . we had everything before us . . .we were all going direct to Heaven . . . ." (A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens.) At least, that's the way I felt about it. We were truly blessed.

- Ouida Tomlinson -

This blog is a place for 1958 graduates of Meridian, Mississippi, High School to stay in touch, post their news, items of interest and photographs.

CLASS OF 1958 MEMORIES (Click to read all posts relating to sports, honors, graduation and other memories of our class in 1957-58.)

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Charlotte Hunt, 77, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017 at her residence. Visitation is 9 am Friday, December 29, 2017 at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon. Services are at 11 am Friday at the funeral home with a 2:30 pm graveside in Pachuta Cemetery in Clarke County.

Mrs. Hunt was a graduate of Meridian High School class of 1958 and was an avid sports fan. She was very proud to have served in years past as secretary of the Fire Chief for the City of Pearl.

Her sons stated that “She was the glue and olive branch that held a somewhat spread thin network of family and friends together. She held her family dear to her heart and was especially proud of her sons and granddaughters. She loved to watch her granddaughters swim in her pool with most of the fondest memories being centered around the pool and dinner table. Her sons would like to thank their wives for all the support and love. They have been outstanding examples of what a daughter-in-law should be and we know she is proud of you.”

Alex stated, “I am so thankful God gave me my brothers. They were so strong through all of this and I would have been lost without them and my wife. In the end I know she is happy to be back home with the whole family there. She will be greatly missed but there is comfort knowing that she is dancing in heaven. I love my mother and will always miss her. She has done so much for my family and I.”

Monday, December 11, 2017

Graveside services for Mr. Thomas Pool, Jr. will be
held Thursday, December 14, 2017, at 12:30 p.m., at the Mississippi Veteran's
Memorial Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with
the arrangements.

After
graduating from Meridian High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1956. He
was honorably discharged in 1992 from the Mississippi Air National Guard 186th
Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, and he retired from the United States Air Force
Reserves in 1999. He retired in 1989 as Structural Captain at NAS Meridian Fire
Department after twenty-three and a half years of civil service. Along with
various other positions, he was employed as a fire fighter and mechanic for the
City of Meridian.

He is survived by his daughter, Shelby Slade
(Steven); grandchildren, John and Sarah Slade; sister, Sara "Peachie"
Saxon; and numerous nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas W.
Pool, Sr. and Eunice Boykin Pool.

The family
requests memorials be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and/or
First Baptist Church of Meridian.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 14, 2017
from 10:00-11:45 a.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Services for Mrs. Margie Robinson will be held on Tuesday, December 5th at Pine Grove Church in the Martin Community at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Tommy Espy and Rev. Mark Naylor officiating. Visitation will be from 10 until service time. Interment will be in the church cemetery and James F. Webb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.Mrs. Robinson, 78, of Collinsville, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Rush Foundation Hospital. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and will be greatly missed.She is survived by her husband, Earl Robinson; Sons, Ronald Robinson (Sherry), Donald Robinson (Joy), and Dennis Robinson; Daughter, Sheila Haskins; Grandchildren, Ronald Paul Robinson (Lauren), Daniel Robinson (Laura), Lacie Rawson (Guy), Mackenzie Alexander (Eli), Morgan Haskins, and Meagan Haskins; Great Grandchildren, Eli and Sadie Robinson, Guy and Maddox Rawson, and Gavin Haskins; Dear friends, Bill and Faye Latham; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.She was preceded in death by her parents, Obie and Minnie Godwin.Pallbearers are Ronald Paul Robinson, Daniel Robinson, Cory Rigdon, Mason Bufkin, Joe Giles, Eli Alexander, Lynn Latham, and Benton Latham.Family and friends may sign the online memorial, leave a note for the family, or order flowers at jamesfwebb.com

O God our Father, Creator of all the living,

we entrust to Your gentle care

all those we love who have gone before us;

and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again. . . .

Eternal rest, grant unto Margie Faye Godwin Robinson, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May the souls of the faithful departedthrough the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Friday, November 24, 2017

Monday, November 6, 2017

A memorial service for Charles Edward McCraney, age 77, of Dublin, will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 4, 2017, at First Christian Church. Rev. Billy Glosson will officiate. Mr. McCraney died Thursday, October 26, 2017.

Mr. McCraney was a 1958 graduate of Meridian High School, and a 1963 graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He retired from Warner Robins Air Force Base.

Mr. McCraney was preceded in death by his parents, William Dewey McCraney and Sally Bray McCraney; brothers, Bill McCraney, Sam McCraney, and Jim “Sonny” McCraney; and sister, Cissy Germany.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Stuart Milford Terrass, son of Milford Edwin and Jane Bullock Terrass, born
October 10, 1932, in Highland Park, Michigan, died October 11, 2017, at
Concordia at Sumner.

A graduate of the University of Akron with a BA in philosophy, a BS in
mathematics and an MA in history; he was a member of Phi Delta Theta, Omicron
Delta Kappa, and a cheerleader. An ROTC graduate, he served as an Air Force
officer in Okinawa and later served for two years in the Ohio Air National
Guard as a training officer.

After completing his active service in 1957, he began his career as a
collegiate administrator at the University of Akron. He held many positions at
this institution including administrative faculty in the Student Services
Office, Assistant to the Registrar, Registrar, and Director of Institutional
Research. His fifty-year career also included positions at The College of
Wooster, North Carolina A & T State University, Lake Erie College and Mount
Union College.

Stuart served as an Ohio and a national NCES trainer; also as an active member
and presenter in AACRAO, OACRAO and co-founder of OAIR. In 2003, he was
particularly proud of being honored for his work as a registrar by OACRAO with
the Garland Parker Award "for outstanding, distinguished service to
the profession at both state and national levels."

Stuart loved the outdoors and outdoor activities, especially biking, hiking,
swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and gardening. He was a talented
photographer, an avid reader, and lifelong bridge player. But most of all,
Stuart loved animals and thought of them more as friends than pets. He often
said, "I've never met an animal I didn't like." During retirement, he
trained for and became an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist. He was a
volunteer at the Akron Zoo and at the Metro Parks Nature Realm, where he
presented programs to school children about appreciation and respect for nature
and its creatures.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, in the chapel of
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St. with the Rev. Mark Pruitt
officiating. A reception will be held immediately following the service at St.
Paul's. Private inurnment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made to the Akron Rotary Camp for Children with
Special Needs. To share a memory, send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit
the Tribute Wall
at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow
FAIRLAWN Chapel).

Post from Mary Anthony McLemore Weaver about her husband Stu: "We celebrated Stu's 85 birthday. He passed away the next day. We only had a year and one month together, but they were happy years of togetherness. I am so thankful that he was in my life even though it was for only a short time."

O God our Father, Creator of all the living,

we entrust to Your gentle care

all those we love who have gone before us;

and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again. . . .

Eternal rest, grant unto Stu Terrass, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May the souls of the faithful departedthrough the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Theo Tootle, 81, of Jasper, GA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 6, 2017.

Theo was the 2nd son to Harold and Lillie Tootle, born August 30, 1935 in Evans County, Georgia. He was one of eight children raised in Tattnall County. Theo’s siblings included his four living brothers, Jimmy, Carroll, Ray, and Marcus. Theo also had 3 sisters who preceded him in death, Janice, Betty, and Sue.

Theo graduated from Reidsville High School in 1953. He attended Georgia State University and achieved both under and post-graduate degrees in Business Administration.

Theo married Coty Huggins on June 9, 1962, and they just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with four children, Leigh Anne, Craig, Tom, and Julie. A loving family was raised, centered on faith, family, and fun. Theo loved playing sports, including tennis with Coty and all his children as they grew up. Golf was also a passion, as well as fishing with anyone, especially grandchildren.

Theo had a 40-year career with the AT&T family, starting with Western Electric and ending with BellSouth as Director of Procurement.

In retirement Theo continued his love of golf and fishing while enjoying being an active grandparent. Affectionately known as Poppa, Theo watched his grandkids Jay, Mark, Grant, Anna, Alex, Grace, and Carley grow into young adults.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 12th at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family in Jasper, GA at 1:00 p.m. with a reception following. There will also be a service at the Reidsville United Methodist Church in Reidsville, GA on Saturday, August 19th at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Theo’s parents and siblings who preceded him in death, the family asks any donations to be made to the American Diabetes Association. (https://donations.diabetes.org)

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

O God our Father, Creator of all the living,

we entrust to Your gentle careall those we love who have gone before us;and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Wanzie L. Strickland, known to all as Bill Strickland passed peacefully Sunday July, 23, 2017 at the age of 80. Bill was a Veteran of the United States Army and a true Patriot.

Bill Strickland was born October 2,1936 in Neshoba County Mississippi. He loved basketball as a young man and played on several teams which included High School, Military, and on the practice team for the Boston Celtics. Additionally, he had a passion and love for coaching Little League Baseball teams. Bill and his wife Maxine founded Sunbelt Fasteners in Houston, Texas in 1980. He spent his later years on his ranch in LaGrange, Texas raising longhorn and antelope.

Friday, July 21, 2017

The book will be chock full with all sorts of stories, pictures, newspaper articles, awards, etc. Look at subject for Title - SIMPLY THE GREATEST. Some of you have seen my homemade book and a lot of you are familiar with people I talked to when I developed these stories.

The book is on the "launch pad" in countdown now, and I truly believe it will be in our hands later this year. My Uncle Bill Farmer in Choctaw, OK, has put up some money to start, but the publisher, also in Choctaw and great friend of my uncle, says we need about another $1000. I have a few sources including some Farmer relatives who may be willing to help with the cost. It would be great to have some Farmers because of our kinship to the Buntin family. If anyone else would like to help, they will be acknowledged in the book. They can get in touch with you, Ouida, or with me at 601-357-0020. Thanks, Ouida, and Best Regards.Jim FarmerPS I am attaching the Miss Peg picture where Oliver was winning the National Championship in 1968 in Tonawanda, NY.

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Funeral services for Mrs. Joyce Giles will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at James F. Webb Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Justin Knight officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 2 - 3 p.m. and interment will be in Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Giles, 77, passed away on June, 29, 2017 at Meridian Community Living. She love to paint, write poetry, work puzzles, talking with friends and family, and fishing. In her earlier years she enjoyed bowling and held the MS Womens State Record for several years.She is survived by her husband, Otis Weir; Daughter, Belinda Miner (Mike); Son, Bryan Giles (Rebecca); Grandchildren, Whitney Hutsenpiller, Bryan "Jay" Giles Jr., and Kade Giles; and also by numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her Husband, David Webster Giles; Mother, Myrtle Bragg; and a sister, Janis Bragg Cheatham.Family and friends may sign the online memorial, leave a personal note for the family, or order flowers at jamesfwebb.com

(Source - The Meridian Star)

O God our Father, Creator of all the living,

we entrust to Your gentle care

all those we love who have gone before us;

and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again. . . .

Eternal rest, grant unto Joyce Bragg Giles, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May the souls of the faithful departedthrough the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

A graveside service for Mrs. Peggy Joyce King
will be held Friday, March 10, at 2 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery
with Rev. Sephus Garrett officiating. Stephens Funeral Home is in charge of
arrangements.Mrs. King, 76, of Meridian, passed away Tuesday [March 7, 2017] at her residence. Mrs. King
loved to dance and listen to country music. She also enjoyed tending to her
flower gardens. She will be most remembered for the love she had for her
family. Survivors include her son, Jim King and wife, Tracy; daughter, Jeri Walker and
husband, Randy; grandchildren, Brandi Stevens and husband, Devy, Dillon Walker
and wife, Jennifer, Drake Walker, Kasey King and Katie King;
great-grandchildren, Randi Lyn Stevens and Dani Blair Stevens; sisters, Juanita
Price, Joan Toler and Tommie Jean Kilgore; sister-in-law, Frances Blackmon and
husband, Harold; and brother-in-law, Kenneth King and wife, Carolyn.She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Effie Smith; husband,
Jimmie King; brothers, Truman and William "Sonny" Smith; and sisters,
Odessa Lindsey and Helen Blair.Visitation will be held Friday, March 10, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Stephens
Funeral Home. Guests are welcome to sign the online guestbook atwww.stephensfunerals.com.

O God our Father, Creator of all the living,

we entrust to Your gentle care

all those we love who have gone before us;

and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again. . . .

Eternal rest, grant unto Peggy Joyce Smith King, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May the souls of the faithful departedthrough the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Graveside services for Sandra Hodge Jones will be held Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Ms. Jones, age 76, died Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian, MS from complications of diabetes. Sandra was employed as a medical records technician by Rush Hospital for many years. She was a graduate of Meridian High School and a graduate of Meridian Community College. Sandra attended Arrowood Baptist Church and State Boulevard Baptist Church. Sandra was a very gracious lady. She was a wonderful decorator and she loved to cook for her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John "Bo" Hodge and Janice Hodge and her son, William "Alan" Jones. She is survived by her son, Jonathan Jones of Bentonville, Arkansas and her grandsons, Chance Jones and Trace Jones. She is survived by a brother, Max Hodge, and his family of Toomsuba, MS; a sister, Judy Hodge Eccles and her husband, David Eccles, and their family of Gulf Breeze, FL. and Dallas, TX.; a sister, Pamela Hodge Stevens and her husband, Roy Stevens, and their family of Quitman, MS. The families include numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Sandra. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com. There will be no public visitation.

O God our Father, Creator of all the living,

we entrust to Your gentle care

all those we love who have gone before us;

and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again. . . .

Eternal rest, grant unto Sandra Jones, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May the souls of the faithful departedthrough the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Class of 1958 60th Reunion

Put another nickel in, in the nickelodeon, all I want is having you and music, music, music!

We're still dancing!

Class of 1958 Memories

To read all posts relating to sports, honors, graduation and other memories of our class in 1957-58, click here: Class of 1958 Memories

Birthday Calendar

FaceBook Page for Class of '58

Big thanks to Al Trussell who has created a FaceBook page for our class. Al says: "This group is for all Graduates of Meridian MS High School Class of 1958, Graduates of 3 or 4 years before or after are welcome to join. . . .
CLICK HERE to go to page.